Analysis
Based on comparable education programs in Texas, University of Houston-Clear Lake appears positioned right at the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $49,500—notably above the national benchmark of $38,660. The estimated debt load of $24,333 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. This is considerably better than the typical Texas education graduate who carries $27,000 in debt.
The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, with four-year earnings reaching $53,337. While this trails stronger Texas programs like UT Arlington (where graduates earn $57,410 initially), it's competitive with mid-tier options across the state. For a school serving 44% Pell-eligible students with a 75% admission rate, these outcomes suggest solid accessibility without sacrificing earning potential.
The caution here is straightforward: all the debt and first-year earnings figures come from similar programs, not this specific cohort's actual outcomes. The four-year earnings figure is real data, which helps validate the trajectory, but parents should recognize they're making decisions with incomplete information about this particular program. Still, the fundamentals—estimated debt under $25,000 for a credential that appears to deliver median Texas education earnings—suggest reasonable value for students committed to teaching careers.
Where University of Houston-Clear Lake Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | — | $53,337 | — |
| Brown University | $33,866 | $61,660 | +82% |
| Chapman University | $37,928 | $60,147 | +59% |
| Monmouth University | $55,579 | $54,660 | -2% |
| Nelson University | $47,921 | $42,725 | -11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $49,453* | $53,337 | $24,333* | — |
 The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington | $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 |
 Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown | $51,058 | $50,984* | — | —* | — |
 Nelson UniversityWaxahachie | $18,610 | $47,921* | $42,725 | $27,500* | 0.57 |
 Southwestern Adventist UniversityKeene | $24,588 | $45,551* | — | $27,000* | 0.59 |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Houston-Clear Lake, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.